In Need of an Estate Planning Lawyer in Waterford Township, MI?
Our experienced Waterford Township estate planning lawyer, Douglas Kuthy, is a seasoned professional with over thirty-five years of experience in estate planning and probate law.
In our law office, estate planning is not just about what happens after death; it also involves planning for incapacity and appointing trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. This is essential for the over 73,000 people who call Waterford Township home. With nearly 52% of the just over 30,000 households comprising married couples, 28% individuals, and 31% with children under 18 living with them, everyone deserves access to affordable estate planning resources.
Our Michigan law firm understands one of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that the average Michigander doesn’t need it. This is why we charge flat rate legal fees, never an hourly charge, and never any surprises, so everyone can see the value in planning for their futures.
Whether you are creating your first will, interested in understanding the benefits of different types of trusts, or need to update your plans to align with your current needs, our dedicated Oakland County estate planning attorney is here to help. Contact Douglas Kuthy today to schedule a meeting to discuss your unique estate planning needs.
Douglas Kuthy: Waterford Township, MI Estate Planning Attorney Practice Areas
No matter where you work or how much you make, Waterford Township residents need estate plans to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, protect their loved ones from financial and legal complications, and provide clear directives for healthcare decisions.
An estate plan can help avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process, designate guardians for minor children, and minimize potential conflicts among heirs. Additionally, it can secure financial support for dependents, manage debts and expenses, and safeguard digital assets. By establishing an estate plan, you can achieve peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your family’s future is protected. We can help.
Our skilled Waterford Township estate planning attorney provides customized legal strategies for each of our client’s needs using a flat rate fee system that makes our services accessible to individuals, couples, and families throughout Michigan, including:
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Powers of Attorney
- Trusts
- Wills
- Probate
Our skilled estate planning attorney in Waterford Township provides our fellow Michigan residents with peace of mind at a reasonable price so they can confidently plan their futures, knowing that no decision or detail is left to chance. Contact Douglas Kuthy today to learn how he can help you establish and maintain your legacy while you are here to enjoy it and long after you are gone.
What are the Consequences of Avoiding Estate Planning in Waterford Township, Michigan?
Our dedicated Waterford Township estate planning lawyer spends considerable time educating our clients on the benefits of creating legally binding documents that protect their livelihoods, families, and futures. Conversely, this means helping them understand the consequences of avoiding an estate planning strategy.
That includes several significant consequences impacting the individual and their loved ones, such as:
- Intestate Succession
Michigan’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed without a will or estate plan. This may not align with your wishes and can result in unintended beneficiaries or disputes among heirs.
- Probate Process
Your estate will likely go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming, costly, and public. This can delay the distribution of assets and impose unnecessary stress on your family.
In addition, probate proceedings are public, meaning anyone can access information about your estate, including the value of your assets and who will inherit them. Proper estate planning tools like trusts can avoid this loss of privacy.
- Family Conflicts
Unclear instructions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among surviving family members. Disputes over asset distribution or guardianship of minor children can strain relationships and result in costly legal battles.
- Guardianship Issues
If you have minor children and have not designated a guardian through an estate plan, the court will decide who will care for them. This decision may not reflect your preferences and can cause additional emotional distress for your children.
- Incapacity Planning
Without powers of attorney and healthcare directives, there may be no clear instructions on who should make financial and medical decisions if you become incapacitated. This can lead to court intervention and decisions that might not align with your wishes.
- Increased Taxes and Expenses
Proper estate planning can minimize estate and inheritance taxes and other transfer costs. Without planning, your estate may incur higher taxes and expenses, reducing the amount left for your beneficiaries.
Partnering with our estate planning lawyer in Oakland County ensures that your estate plan is legally sound, tailored to your needs, and designed to achieve your objectives. It’s an investment in your future and the future of your loved ones.
Contact Our Attorney at Douglas Kuthy Today
Contact Douglas Kuthy today to discuss your estate planning needs during a free consultation. From there, we will schedule a meeting so you can start protecting everything you have worked so hard to achieve.
